White House Creates World’s Largest Marine Reserve

Published September 25, 2014

It’s a great day for the big blue!

The expansion of this Monument to six times its current size will provide protection to the coral reef and seamount ecosystems unique to the tropical islands and atolls of the south-central Pacific, which scientists have identified to be among the most vulnerable areas to the impacts of ocean acidification.

The Monument will be off-limits to commercial fishing, deep sea mining and other commercial resource extraction activities. Thanks to this historic designation, this area will remain a safeguarded home for a diverse array of sea life including sea turtles, nesting seabirds, millions of fish, marine mammals and manta rays.

Protections like this one are critical to maintaining the health and vibrance of our aquatic treasures for many years to come.